Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2023 - FASS 210 D100

STT-Exploring Language with the Power of Network Science (1)

Language Network Science

Class Number: 2881

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 8 – Jun 19, 2023: Thu, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    15 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Our lives are richly intertwined with networks: from social networks, to the Internet, to the micro-structure of our brains. Through programming exercises, students will learn the science behind networks and apply them to problems in modern linguistics, including language networks of bilingual Canadians, language learning, and the network structure of the mental lexicon.

COURSE DETAILS:

Our lives are richly intertwined with networks: from social networks, to the Internet, to the micro-structure of our brains. Through programming exercises, students will learn the science behind networks and apply them to problems in modern linguistics, including language networks of bilingual Canadians, language learning, and the network structure of the mental lexicon.

This course is also a Python “on-ramp”. It shows how students can make simple programs to quickly complete otherwise time-consuming tasks. No programming or math background is assumed. Network science is an ideal environment for learning programming because it provides a conceptual framework that enables Python users to gain deep insights into the systems that the networks represent. The course also connects the digital literacy gained from the course to other courses at SFU and later workplace preparation.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Develop skills for analyzing networks.
  • Gain experience programming with large data sets.
  • Reflect on network structure and use it to gain insight into networks, including language networks and social networks.
  • Apply the insights about language networks to human health.

FASS 210 runs for 5 weeks (May 8-June 9). The first session is 1 hour, the rest of 4 sessions are 3 hours each. This is a 1 credit course.

Grading

  • Homework, Weekly Tutorials, Quiz on last day 100%

NOTES:

This FASS Forward course is delivered entirely in-person. It is designed to improve your skills for future success and work in this class is expected to be of high quality. A competency-based grading system will be used to assess your academic performance and active participation in all learning activities. That means only a P (pass) or F (fail) will appear on your transcript. There is no numerical equivalent for the final grade, and it does not affect either your grade point average or cumulative grade point average.

  • P (pass) means that you have demonstrated your competency in relation to the learning objectives, met all the criteria for the course, and demonstrated the skills you have acquired.
  • F (fail) means that you do not receive credit for the course.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

  • Programming platform (free software): Google Colaboratory or your preferred Python programming environment.
  • No math or programming experience is required.
  • Students will need to bring a laptop to class. The SFU library might have a few laptops on loan for student use.

REQUIRED READING:

Menczer, Filippo, Santo Fortunato, and Clayton A. Davis. (2020). A First Course in Network Science. Cambridge University Press.
It is available as a Kindle ebook or a hardcover.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.